Our Cyprus Dignity Centre in the heart of Nicosia has been running since 2019. We offer vulnerable new arrivals stability, solidarity and a sense of normality at one of the most difficult, uncertain and chaotic moments of their life.
At our pioneering Dignity Market, people can choose food and hygiene items just like a normal shopping experience. We currently support around 200 people per week with food and hygiene items.
We also provide practical support, including:
- Help with bureaucratic procedures, such as opening a bank account and accessing the job market.
- Assistance with writing CVs.
- A weekly barber service provided by skilled members of the asylum seeking and refugee communities, who receive fair pay for their work.
- Comprehensive signposting to help people navigate the system and access services, no matter what stage of their journey they are at.
These offerings, in a safe, comfortable and welcoming space, support people as they reclaim agency over their lives and take the next step.
The background & need
Cyprus has the highest number of people seeking asylum per capita in Europe.
The island has seen a 500% increase in arrivals since 2016. In the first three months of 2024, more than 2,000 people arrived to Cyprus by sea, compared to just 78 in the same period the previous year.
On arrival, people seeking asylum are transferred to the First Reception Centre in Pournara Camp. The Authorities are already overwhelmed. After a long and perilous journey, people released from the camp are left alone: without resources, support networks or even essentials such as food and hygiene items.
New arrivals face increasing challenges, daily discrimination, and destitution. The situation has become even more desperate in 2024, with an increase in violent racist attacks. At the end of December 2023, over 30,0003 asylum applications and appeals were pending.
How you can help
- Donate now. We rely on individual contributions to keep our Cyprus Dignity Centre running.
- Come and help! Apply to volunteer in Cyprus for 2-4 weeks.